Stevie Smith wins the Canadian Open!

Jul 17, 2011 at 19:17

by Ian Hylands

WHISTLER, BC July 17, 2011 – Today Vancouver Island’s Steve Smith kept the Canadian Open Downhill title on home soil by dominating the notoriously technical course to take first place with a time of 3:00.01. Rachel Atherton (GBR) had the fastest time for the women with a time of 3:34.45.

The Canadian Open DH is my favourite event at Kokanee Crankworx. After getting a flat on the course last year I was ready to go hard this year. This track suits my style; it is rough and technical, and one of my favourite trails to ride in the Whistler Mountain Bike Park. -- Steve Smith

On a course that offered a bit of everything—roots, rocks, mud, screaming fans—it was World Cup talent that prevailed. Rachel Atherton took the win for the ladies, while Steve Smith took the win for the men.

“I was hoping the track was going to dry out a bit more,” said Rachel, “but it was pretty slick out there.”

The crowds were on the course in force—particularly at Heckle Rock, the infamous roll-over midway down the track.

It was kind of weird, there were a few people on the sides of the track. I pretty much don't really notice them other than to notice that there are people there during a race run, but when I got to Heckle Rock there was such a massive crowd there that I kind of lost my line for a second. It took about two turns to get my head back on after that. -- Troy Brosnan

Overall, the course was hard, but not too challenging for the World Cup riders. That’s not to detract from the event or the organizers, it’s just that there’s not too much line choice on the track, so not too many places to make up time if you make a mistake...

Mens Top 3

1. Steve Smith 3:00.01
2. Andrew Neethling 3:01.52
3. Troy Brosnan 3:02.68

Womens Top 3

1. Rachel Atherton 3:34.45
2. Claire Buchar 3:38.75
3. Miranda Miller 3:38.75

Miranda Miller racing at the Canadian Open DH

Miranda Miller on her way to third place in the Canadian Open

Rachel Atherton on her way to winning the Canadian Open DH

It's good to see Rachel back in top form again. With her win at Windham last weekend it seems she's finally gotten back to where she needs to be. On her way to winning the Canadian Open...

Shirts off on the rock! Shirts off on the rock! The Heckle Fest on the Rock was going off this year!

Dodzy putting the Zerode to the test on the Canadian Open DH track. Dropping off of Heckle rock

Andrew Neethling took home second behing Steve Smith today at the Canadian Open.

Gee looked like he had a goor run going but ended with an off the bike crash just below here and didn t make the podium.

Gee looked like he had a good run going but ended with an off the bike crash just below here and didn't make the podium. He always seems to go a little further riders left than everyone else here.

Stevie Smith dropping down Heckle Rock on his way to winning the Canadian Open DH.

Shelly, barefoot mud surfing on the Canadian Open DH course. Some people were having way too much fun today!

Our roving reporters hard at work covering Crankworx for you...

Tippie and Ashleigh, our roving reporters hard at work!

OpenDH Results

Author Info:

IanHylands

Member since Jun 23, 2008
588 articles

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98 Comments

41 0

Anderham03 (Jul 17, 2011 at 19:23)

ya steeeeeeeeveeee!!!!!!

34 24

SpartanSoulja (Jul 17, 2011 at 19:57)

Why is the Men's 1st place $2500 and the Women's1st place only $1500. And 2nd in Men's is $1500 and Women's 2nd place is only $1000....? Like wtf?

17 0

mtnbikes4life (Jul 17, 2011 at 19:59)

check out the guy with the chainsaw in picture 3 ahaha! and congrats Steve!

69 5

darkmuncan (Jul 17, 2011 at 20:02)

because the Men are 1.666666666667 x more interesting to watch?

before the haters, yes all those talented women riders are waaaay faster than me. I am just saying.

strickland-propane (Jul 17, 2011 at 20:06)

This has been gone over before. It's not such an easy answer that we can simply say it's because the promoters are sexist and evil. There are many more entry fees paid by men, and I don't even think it's because men are faster. I'm sure that all promoters initially tried to pay men and women equal prize money, but everybody has to make ridiculous cuts in this economic time.

16 1

glory00 (Jul 17, 2011 at 20:07)

they dont need more shoes lol

33 0

geoffwarburton (Jul 17, 2011 at 20:09)

The dude with the chainsaw was me. Best idea I've had in a long time.

16 0

godfried (Jul 17, 2011 at 20:09)

Why only men are always topless in every race around the world events?

34 4

humoroususername (Jul 17, 2011 at 20:12)

Well to win the men's Steve Smith had to beat 81 other riders. Rachel had to beat 10 and half of them didnt even start. And the fact that he went 35+ seconds faster than her should count for something. Dont people who can do things better than someone else always get paid more? Equal pay for equal work. Going 35 seconds faster than someone is not equal work. Plus who do you think brings in all the sponsorship money? Its not the women.

25 0

mcmbike (Jul 17, 2011 at 20:16)

^ race prize money is generated through entry fees. when more men enter the open field than women entering the open field, the men have more money to draw from as prize money. some people say it's not fair but it's the only way that makes sense.

KevSong (Jul 17, 2011 at 20:24)

ahhhhhh TROOOOOOOOYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY

machaut FL (Jul 17, 2011 at 20:35)

Dude with the chain saw. Where you accualy reving the piss out of that thing
as riders tore bye? Because if so, your my friend

geoffwarburton (Jul 17, 2011 at 20:46)

Of course, it was AWESOME.

tanner-greiner (Jul 17, 2011 at 21:02)

@godfried. bro i agree, there should be some topless chicks in the midst!

17 2

GrantR (Jul 17, 2011 at 21:25)

If there were topless womean at DH races the prize money would be the same for men and women.

BLIPDH (Jul 17, 2011 at 21:36)

^^ what???

MadMax883 (Jul 17, 2011 at 22:06)

just saying darkmuncan, but i dont find men more interesting to watch

18 1

kavika (Jul 17, 2011 at 23:01)

Always have to laugh when people whinge about woman getting less prize money, because they should be treated as equal. I agree, treat them as equal, let them race in one class against the males. Then we are all equal

Lehel-NS (Jul 17, 2011 at 23:35)

If there were topless woman on the side of the track, i think the guys wouldn't make it to the finish line.

takamine206 (Jul 18, 2011 at 0:29)

plus theres more prize money for the men cause theres about ten times more male riders!

bikounet (Jul 18, 2011 at 9:40)

This kid is so fuc**** fast... I'm jealous

robinbryony (Jul 18, 2011 at 16:55)

It should be noted that the female riders still need to pay for flights to races, hotels, transportation, training, food, coaches, gear, etc. Last time I checked they weren't getting discounted prices because they are girls for flights or anything else.

godfried (Jul 20, 2011 at 14:31)

from now on, we should set a rule as below:
1.Topless guys only allowed in women race events
2.Topless chicks only allowed in men race events
3. Prize to be awarded to the best topless pictures for both genders
Otherwise pictures will not be posted in Pinkbike....hahahaha!

21 1

peteders (Jul 17, 2011 at 19:30)

Wont be long until Troy is dominating DH!!!!

KeoniM (Jul 17, 2011 at 19:55)

I know right! Hes the new Gwin or Sam Hill in this case haha!

anastaputra (Jul 17, 2011 at 20:35)

troy...the next young guns from aussie...he has a bright future for sure

extention (Jul 17, 2011 at 21:16)

and look out for Dave mcmillan who won the juniors

jclnv (Jul 17, 2011 at 22:41)

I think everyone has two years racing each other and then they're racing for second. The kid is simply different. Even at the moment he's by far the most precise rider out there. His lines are perfect and he doesn't ever look remotely sketch.

kyphoto (Jul 18, 2011 at 0:33)

"I think everyone has two years racing each other and then they're racing for second..."
????
Steve Peat?

hg604 (Jul 18, 2011 at 2:51)

Connor Fearon has been sticking it to Troy at the national series down here... those kids are pretty much neck and neck, but polar opposite riding styles, Troy is precise and smooth as hell, Connor is more like what happens when you fire a young kid out of a cannon down a hillside somewhere.

jclnv (Jul 18, 2011 at 19:03)

But Troy stuffed Connor here and at Wyndham. Tougher courses?

extention (Jul 18, 2011 at 21:19)

Troy has had a lot more high end race experiance this season

OlSkoolJake (Jul 18, 2011 at 0:07)

Right on Stevie! Huge win on home soil after having a wicked season already, congrats!! Making Vancouver Island proud. Stoke that Rachel is back on top, with back to back wins. The women's world cup was too quiet when she was gone.

nehuen93 (Jul 17, 2011 at 19:40)

troy will be world champion in a few years

ibeaver (Jul 18, 2011 at 9:29)

if you watched the webcast, can I ask who those homeys are who are talking? Brad and Mason?? damn... made me embarrassed to think Kokanee would be associated with... they aren't even beavis and butthead. I pray that next year this makes the world cup circuit (how don't ask... ) and warner can get on it.

garyd6959 (Jul 18, 2011 at 4:05)

first time u look at the mens podium ur like " hey some kids run on the podium!! get him of................." then u look again and ur aw its just troy the pinner!!

Doule (Jul 17, 2011 at 20:31)

Chainsaw and a beer bong,looks like a good time! Congrats Stevie! Holding it down for the great white north!

glowen (Jul 17, 2011 at 20:14)

such a sick race! here are a couple video images from today if your interested. www.pinkbike.com/video/207018

scrann77 (Jul 18, 2011 at 9:36)

i'm thinking maybe whistler needs to host a world cup! make it happen uci!

mahonlamont FL (Jul 18, 2011 at 16:53)

All the euros don't want to travel this far. The only reason Australia gets them is because it has a lot of power in the UCI.... It's really too bad

malvern (Jul 18, 2011 at 0:34)

Picture three: beer bong, chainsaw and vuvuzala's........what could possibly go wrong?

Knife-in-the-dark (Jul 18, 2011 at 7:12)

They need to rename it sausage fest rock.

tyronepottle (Jul 17, 2011 at 19:22)

way to be stevie!

Spec-Rider (Jul 17, 2011 at 19:23)

Steve Smith is so fast on his new Devinci!!

voltage123 (Jul 17, 2011 at 20:51)

Canadians keep it real. Thanks to Steve Smith

kno0003 (Jul 17, 2011 at 21:18)

Yeahh Troy Brosnan!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

adrianm (Jul 18, 2011 at 8:49)

.....and some of those guys in picture no.3 look like they've just escaped from a concentration camp!!

FetusOven (Jul 18, 2011 at 9:21)

That's probably going to get you some negative props, but i laughed.. hahah

siddall (Jul 18, 2011 at 9:07)

I have a really good feeling that Gee will not be racing on Continental tires next season.

gouty (Jul 18, 2011 at 10:13)

He didnt flat this race... he said it himself when he finished it was pure rider error.

brodieman96 (Jul 17, 2011 at 19:24)

it was so fun to watch everyone get loose

dorkmire (Jul 17, 2011 at 19:32)

yeah rachel! killin it!

flyingryan (Jul 17, 2011 at 19:47)

Does kovarik have his own team? 2nd place ladies looks like it says kovarik

nateb FL (Jul 17, 2011 at 20:10)

It's her last name, kinda, it's his wife.

peteders (Jul 17, 2011 at 20:31)

they started their own team this year

extention (Jul 17, 2011 at 21:14)

They are a 2 person team called Kovarik Racing. Still on intense

captyvatemedia FL (Jul 18, 2011 at 1:40)

No mention of the Juniors. Shame, because Aussie David McMillan took top spot at just 17!

Downhill340 (Jul 18, 2011 at 4:04)

That blonde is just filthy! Gutted for Gee but still happy for stevie cause he's one of my favourite riders!

shishka (Jul 18, 2011 at 7:38)

Nice one Steve, finally got one. Now its time to focus on the wc events like that.

kno0003 (Jul 17, 2011 at 21:18)

Yeahh Troy Brosnan!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

FerdiMG (Jul 18, 2011 at 6:44)

GEE`S CRASH:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=bqCNRlppjgg

adrianm (Jul 18, 2011 at 8:47)

Just love the vuvuzelas in picture no.3!

dunterberger (Jul 17, 2011 at 19:23)

right on stevie! and troy ripped it too, stoked for them all.

jtnord (Jul 17, 2011 at 19:45)

A Red Bull or a Monster sound so good right now!

howshow (Jul 17, 2011 at 20:14)

good job steve keeping it in CAN.

Doule (Jul 17, 2011 at 20:27)

yes hes Canadian...lol to you not knowing that..@CCHAMP10

beeboo (Jul 17, 2011 at 21:10)

Way to bring home the win Stevie

nouser (Jul 17, 2011 at 22:36)

Yeah Dodzy!!! When and where are the full results going to be posted?

Dusterr (Jul 18, 2011 at 4:44)

Whistler seems to be soooooo COOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOL!

nouser (Jul 18, 2011 at 9:24)

Yeeeeaaaaah Stevie ! canadian takes home gold on canadian soil !!!!

jlfern (Jul 18, 2011 at 10:56)

wow .... get a tan canada!!

fox7 FL (Jul 18, 2011 at 12:17)

CANADA CANADA !!!!!!!!!! hehe

luthien (Jul 17, 2011 at 19:43)

congrats to all!

cchamp10 (Jul 17, 2011 at 21:57)

sorry for not knowing

everyday (Jul 18, 2011 at 0:18)

Where were all this spectators in Mont Saint Anne?

hardyk FL (Jul 18, 2011 at 6:55)

theres only 5100 km between MSA and whistler, i guess not every1 can make it.

mahonlamont FL (Jul 18, 2011 at 16:54)

yeah canada is a pretty big country if u haven't noticed

everyday (Jul 24, 2011 at 4:50)

My point was, that its a shame MSA had poor spectator visit, specially comparing to last year and the years before...

hardyk FL (Jul 26, 2011 at 7:35)

it was not that bad, and last year it was the worlds champs so.. yeah less people i guess.

mollymarj (Jul 18, 2011 at 3:08)

AWESOME GO RACHEAL

extention (Jul 17, 2011 at 21:15)

Danielle Becroft 3rd in the womans is only 16. Big things ahead for her

ButtonPusher (Jul 17, 2011 at 21:23)

it says Miranda Miller got 3rd in womens...

extention (Jul 18, 2011 at 14:49)

Sorry 4th

BLIPDH (Jul 17, 2011 at 21:33)

tippie deep in thought

minimonkeyshredder (Jul 17, 2011 at 21:58)

Well done Troy !!!!

stucon (Jul 18, 2011 at 0:28)

smooth work Rach..

lescart (Jul 18, 2011 at 0:29)

pleased for stevie.

s100mphplus (Jul 18, 2011 at 7:01)

SPONGER!!!

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